This week’s North West appointments

Dominic Orsini, Adam Sivner and Mark Smith, GCA Altium

Investment bank GCA Altium has announced three senior promotions within its Manchester team.

Dominic Orsini and Adam Sivner have been made directors, while Mark Smith has taken on the role of assistant director.

Dominic has worked with GCA Altium for the last four years. During his time with the company, he has focused on the technology, media and telecommunications sector

Adam, meanwhile, joined GCA Altium in 2008 as an analyst. Since then, he has built up experience within the energy and industrials sectors.

Mark joined GCA Altium in 2014 after spending six years with professional services giant KPMG, and has since worked on deals across various sectors.

GCA Altium chief exec Phil Adams said: “Strengthening our deal teams in the UK is an important part of our growth plan.

“Dominic, Adam and Mark have each made a significant impact on our team in Manchester, demonstrating their ability to get deals over the line, and developing strong sector expertise in key focus areas.”

GCA Altium, which employs a team of 22 at its Manchester office, recently merged with GCA Savvian to create one of the world’s biggest listed M&A advisory firms.

Phil continued: “It is an exciting time for the business, with the merger opening up integrated global coverage across 14 offices in 10 countries.

“This will enable us to provide the highest quality advice to our clients, and Dominic, Adam and Mark will continue to play a key role in this.”

Jon Schofield, Seddon

Builder and developer Seddon has appointed Jon Schofield as non-executive director.

Jon, who is a founding partner of advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts, has over 20 years’ experience in providing corporate finance and strategic advice to growing companies across various sectors.

A partner and co-owner of PHD Equity Partners, at Seddon Jon will assist the Bolton-based company on various matters, including governance and finance.

Jon Schofield said: “With a long-standing history and excellent reputation in the industry and beyond, it’s a privilege to join the Seddon board.

“I look forward to assisting the family, and the team in achieving its ambitious plans and moving towards a stronger future.”

Jonathan Seddon, the company’s CEO, commented: “I’ve known Jon for more than four years and his admirable experience, diverse network and proven track record in high-level advisory roles made him ideal for the role.

“We’re sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the Seddon team as we aim to realise our aspirations.”

Jon has joined the board ahead of the departure of chairman Rod Sellers, who will retire next year after working with Seddon for 16 years.

Katie Delaney, NJL Consulting

Manchester-based planning consultancy NJL Consulting has hired Katie Delaney in the role of associate director.

Katie is joining the firm from Preston-based PWA Planning. Following her appointment, she will continue to work with her existing residential clients while aiming to expand NJL’s residential portfolio.

Commenting on her appointment, Katie said: “It’s great to join NJL Consulting which through work on high profile projects, such as the recently approved Trafford Waters and MediaCityUK schemes, has a brilliant reputation in the planning sector.

“I’m looking forward to expanding NJL’s residential offering across the North West and the UK.”

NJL’s managing director, Nick Lee, said: “Katie has a wealth of experience in planning and we’re delighted to have on board someone so passionate about offering planning solutions to key residential developers across the UK.”

Heather Townsend, Mitchell Charlesworth

Accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has promoted Heather Townsend after achieving a 15% rise in sales during the 12 months to April 2016.

Heather Townsend, who has worked with the company since 2007, has now taken on a managerial role.

Rob Hall (pictured above left), Mitchell Charlesworth’s Chester-based partner and chairman, said: “Heather delivers first class customer service and been unstinting in her hard work for many years.

“We are delighted with her progression as she continues to diligently build her career.

“A recent increase in business has also meant that the Chester office requires greater support within its senior team.”

Speaking further, Rob said he believes Heather is “skilled, experienced and well equipped” for her new responsibilities.

He continued: “She will now join two other senior managers helping train and manage other colleagues as the total staff count has now risen to 25. They will be further supported by myself and two other senior partners Marlon Armstrong and Tim Adcock.”

Heather said: “It’s been highly enjoyable developing my career at Mitchell Charlesworth which has a clear identity and a strong regional presence with offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Warrington, Chester and Widnes.

“The firm’s broad reach across the region has provided exposure to many different firms, expanding both my knowledge and expertise.”

She added: “I now look forward to taking even greater responsibility delivering a full range of specialist services, from compliance and strategic advice to business transformation.”

Bryanni Cartledge, Steven Abbott Associates LLP

Town planning firm Steven Abbott Associates LLP has appointed Bryanni Cartledge to the new role of planning and development graduate.

Bryanni, who has joined the practice after obtaining a degree in Geography from Lancaster University, will primarily be based at the firm’s HQ in Appley Bridge, Wigan, but will also be involved in projects run through its Kendal office.

She said of her appointment: “I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and experience in planning with the help of the great team at Steven Abbott Associates.”

At Steven Abbott Associates, Bryanni will be tasked with planning support duties, including researching information and planning history searches, keeping abreast of planning legislation and policy, assisting with preparing and submitting planning applications and appeals, and developing her caseload.

Alastair Skelton, a partner at Steven Abbott Associates, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bryanni as the newest member of our planning team, and we are confident that she will make a valuable contribution as she supports the team in their work to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients.”

Peter Jackson, Hill Dickinson

Law firm Hill Dickinson has announced the result of an election to select its first ever chief executive officer.

Peter Jackson is set to take on the mantle of CEO from November 1.

The move to have Hill Dickinson’s partners elect a new chief exec forms part of an enhancement of the company’s management structure, implemented with the aim of improving agility and efficiency, and making it more responsive to the needs of clients.

The changes will also also see David Wareing, a long-time senior partner, take up the post of chairman.

Peter, who is currently Hill Dickinson’s managing partner, has steered the business through a period of growth both in the UK and overseas.

In his 10 years at the helm, Peter has guided the company through the acquisitions of shipping specialists Hill Taylor Dickinson, the commodities practice of law firm Middleton Potts and the Liverpool and Sheffield offices of Halliwells, among others.

Further, Peter expanded Hill Dickinson’s international footprint by establishing operations in Athens, Monaco, Singapore, Hong Kong.

12 promotions and appointments, KPMG

Professional services firm KPMG has announced 11 director promotions and a partner appointment in the North West.

The following have all become directors:

• David Lindsay (corporate tax)
• Gohar Khan (corporate tax)
• John Monds (corporate tax)
• Jennifer Lee (corporate tax)
• Richard Hassan (pensions)
• Urrffa Rafiq (pensions)
• Jenny Quinn (transaction services)
• Paul Birrell (restructuring services)
• Zoe Davidson (infrastructure)
• Roger Nixon (audit)
• Julie Radcliffe (audit)

The company has also announced that Alex Hartley, who has headed up the development of KPMG’s Northern private equity business since 2009, has been made a partner.

Following his appointment, Alex Hartley, will assume a national role and lead KPMG Corporate Finance’s mid-market private equity focus across the whole of the UK.

Jon Holt, the office senior partner of KPMG’s Manchester operations, said: “Advisors will have a pivotal role to play in supporting industry and government as the North West, and the rest of the country, prepares for what will be a significant period of change in the coming years.

“We are committed to constantly developing and building our team in the region to ensure that our clients have access to the insight and rigorous analysis to help them plan of the future and seek out opportunities that the ‘new normal’ may present.”

Diane Jolly, Avecto

Endpoint security software company Avecto has appointed Diane Jolly as HR director.

Diane’s experience has seen her lead on HR for a number of firms, including security printing business De La Rue, cash tech company Glory Global Solutions and engineering consultancy Mouchel.

At Avecto, Diane will lead an international team focusing on identifying, recruiting and developing top tech industry talent across Avecto’s offices in the UK, Europe and the US.

She said: “Avecto is a hugely exciting and ambitious company that has played a key role in maintaining Manchester’s position as the home of technological expertise and innovation.

“The business’ culture is also one-of-a-kind and the opportunities and benefits afforded employees are like nothing I’ve seen before.”

Diane continued: “This is a company that has grown significantly in a short space of time and will continue to do so in the coming years. We need to ensure that our culture and values are retained and that we continue to add more exciting and unique perks for our team members to enjoy.”

Avecto’s co-founder and co-CEO, Mark Austin, commented: “It’s always difficult to find and retain talent, particularly in the technology industry, which is why we place huge emphasis on making Avecto a great place to work from both a personal and professional point of view.

“We believe we are the technology employer of choice in Manchester and beyond, but we can’t rest on our laurels.”

She added: “I’m confident that Diane will be a valuable addition to the team. She has the knowledge and experience we need to take the business to the next level and expand our global presence.”